A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Cambridge for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and theater. See Stratford-upon-Avon travel costs.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic, beautiful, and collegiate university town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Cambridge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Cambridge travel costs.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cambridge. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge are popular destinations, Cambridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cambridge is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Cambridge is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. It is also well known for King's College and the King's College Chapel. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cambridge and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Cambridge specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Cambridge is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Cambridge is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cambridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Stratford-upon-Avon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Music and theater are what make this nightlife interesting.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cambridge is well-known for its shopping. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge More Beautiful?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Cambridge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The beautiful campus is a unique place to explore.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Couples?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cambridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cambridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cambridge is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge to fill your time. In our opinion, Cambridge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cambridge than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cambridge than Stratford-upon-Avon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cambridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cambridge than Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cambridge that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cambridge than Stratford-upon-Avon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cambridge.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cambridge, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Cambridge for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cambridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the theater. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The beautiful destination of Cambridge offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. This university town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Cambridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.